Phoenicia Greek and Lebanese Cuisine — Restaurant in Redlands

Enjoyed a dinner with a friend before seeing Death on the Nile at the Look theater. My friend claimed this restaurant to be the foundation for his love of Mediterranean food that he experienced on his trips to Israel. Well done, Hedad and Phoenicia! 👏🏻

PROS: The owner, Hadad, greeted us warmly and took our order. He cartoon likeness holds a sign in the front welcoming visitors to his eatery. I love that kind of kitsch and confidence. I enjoyed the a very lemony yellow lentil soup that zinged my tastebuds with every bite. I ordered the Phoenicia Platter and all manner of meats arrived on one plate. The schwarma bits were crispy and tasty. The hummus came wonderfully creamy and tart. The cucumber salad complemented the meats well. The beef kabob was pretty tender, but the standout was definitely the chicken kabob. The tenderness, spices, and marinade with the charred ends brought an extremely satisfying experience. The dining experience became enriched by Hedad and his friends engaging in banter that only well acquainted friends could engage.

CONS: Once I stepped into the restaurant, an immediate intoxicating smell of grilled meat wafted into my nose. However, as the dining experience continued, the lite smoke gave way to an stifling overwhelming smokiness that choked the senses. Lastly, the pita bread seems to be an after thought, and something I could purchase at any Stater Bros. Markets and not an authentic Mediterranean experience.

I pray blessings of prosperity, health, and love for the owner, patrons, and everyone that visits. 🙏🏻

In faith, hope, and...

This was my second time ordering food from this restaurant but my third attempt. I went to the restaurant on Sunday evening, when I arrived at the door the time was 7:22pm and the doors were locked. The sign shows that they closed at 8pm. I could see the staff in the kitchen but no one made an attempt to come to the door. Why have hours of operation if you are not going to honor them. I didn’t make a fuss though and decided to give the restaurant one more chance. I returned today after 3pm to order an early dinner, I was hoping my experience would be a pleasant one but unfortunately it wasn’t. I ordered two chicken schwarma salads, Once I made it home I discovered neither order included pita bread or hummus. On top of that the young lady behind the counter was rather rude. My first experience at this restaurant was great and was hoping I would have the same experience again. I was not going to leave a review but after attempting to place an order Sunday to no avail and then to have my order today half prepared and then to experience rude service, I had to...

The food was unbelievably delicious. The portions were generous enough to leave you full and happy. The desserts were excellent. Easily a 10 out of 10 — nothing more you could wish for.

The meat had that nostalgic aroma of childhood barbecue — like being back at a summer house, with that unforgettable smell from the past.

One of the best Mediterranean places I’ve ever been to. I’ve tried this cuisine in many states, but this one stands out.

Majd is absolutely incredible person — he’s both the chef and the waiter, and he does both with real passion and care. Genuinely one of the kindest and most pleasant people I’ve met. Very easy to talk to, always smiling, attentive, hardworking, responsible, and clearly takes pride in what he does.

You can feel he puts his heart into everything — both in the food and in how he treats guests. People like...